🆓 Completely Free – $0/month
▸ No subscription or hidden fees
▸ Optional PBS Passport donation unlocks bonus content
▸ Full access to live and on-demand PBS programming
Supported Platforms:
💻 Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari (pbs.org, pbskids.org, the-sun.com)
📱 Mobile Apps: iOS, Android (wired.com)
📺 Streaming Devices & TVs: Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox (the-sun.com)
📺 Live Local PBS Stream: View your regional PBS station's broadcast (pbskids.org)
🎥 On-Demand Library: Includes dramas (Masterpiece), documentaries (Frontline, NOVA), news (PBS NewsHour), and specials (Ken Burns) (play.google.com)
⭐ Custom Watchlist: Save and queue shows for later viewing (the-sun.com)
🚀 PBS Passport: Donor-funded option unlocking bonus content (the-sun.com)
👶 Thousands of Free Episodes: Content for ages 2–8, including live 24/7 PBS KIDS channel (pbskids.org)
🔁 Download for Offline: Users can download shows to watch without internet
🔒 Parent Safety Features: Child-friendly UI, no in-app purchases, sponsor messages but no unrelated ads (play.google.com)
🔄 Frequent Updates: New episodes every week; rotating library (help.pbs.org)
(as of June 2025)
PBS App:
Dramas: Masterpiece series like All Creatures Great & Small, Call the Midwife (play.google.com)
Documentaries & News: Frontline, PBS NewsHour, Finding Your Roots, Ken Burns specials (play.google.com)
Specials: Great Performances, Austin City Limits, Antiques Roadshow (play.google.com)
PBS KIDS Video:
Classic Shows: Daniel Tiger, Curious George, Wild Kratts, Sesame Street (play.google.com)
Animated & Short Films: Nature Cat, Charlie Chaplin/Buster Keaton clips (en.wikipedia.org)
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely free (with optional donations) | No offline viewing for PBS App |
| Access to both live local station and on-demand content | PBS Passport requires donation for premium content |
| Wide variety: news, dramas, documentaries, live TV | PBS KIDS clips rotate; not all episodes always available (help.pbs.org, play.google.com, the-sun.com) |
| PBS KIDS app allows downloads and is ad-free | PBS KIDS content limited to ages 2–8 |
| Safe, child-friendly environment with sponsor-supported content | No game console support (except via main PBS app) |
The PBS App, together with PBS KIDS Video, offers a rich, free, and safe streaming ecosystem perfect for families and viewers seeking educational, cultural, and news-driven content. With live local access, a diverse on-demand library, and a secure kids environment, it’s ideal for households that value quality programming without subscription costs. While content rotates and premium options require donations, PBS remains a top-tier public-service streaming choice.
